As the summer heat intensifies, many of us begin to feel the toll it takes on our skin. While the early days of summer bring a healthy glow and clearer skin thanks to extra sun and vitamin D, by mid-summer, our skin often feels dry, tight, itchy, and irritated. What is the culprit, you may ask? Damage to the skin’s protective barrier.
Understanding the Skin Barrier
Your skin barrier, also known as the hydro lipid barrier, is the protective layer that shields your skin from environmental aggressors. Made up of sebum, lipids, water, and sweat, it acts like a security guard, keeping harmful substances out while maintaining moisture levels within the skin. When this barrier is compromised, whether that is due to excessive sun exposure, over-exfoliation, or harsh skincare products, your skin becomes vulnerable to dehydration, irritation, and even premature aging.
Common Summer Skin Woes
By the end of summer, many people experience dryness, scaliness, and irritation. Over-cleansing, using strong astringents, or over-exfoliating with harsh scrubs can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to barrier disruption. Other factors, like swimming in chlorinated pools and certain medications can also weaken the skin barrier.
How to Protect and Restore Your Skin Barrier
Here are some essential tips to maintain and repair your skin barrier during the summer months:
- Limit Cleansing: Avoid over-cleansing. Washing your face more than twice a day can weaken your skin’s hydrolipid barrier.
- Choose Gentle Products: Opt for mild, hydrating cleansers instead of harsh, astringent ones. Steer clear of aggressive exfoliants like apricot scrubs that can cause microtears in the skin.
- Moisturize Effectively: After cleansing, use ceramide and peptide-rich moisturizers to lock in moisture and strengthen your skin barrier.
- Soak and Hydrate: Treat yourself to lukewarm baths with added emollients like coconut oil or baby oil to soften your skin and improve barrier function. Consider adding oat-based products for extra soothing benefits.
- Diet Matters: Incorporate anti-inflammatory omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids into your diet. Foods like salmon, hemp seeds, flax seeds, and chia seeds can help restore hydration and reduce inflammation.
- Use Hyaluronic Acid: A good hyaluronic acid serum like our Deep Blue Hydration Serum can absorb and lock in water, keeping your skin hydrated and plump.
- Consider a Chemical Peel: At the end of summer, a chemical peel can help remove sun damage, brighten skin, and reduce pigmentation and fine lines.
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August is the perfect time to slow down and pamper your skin before the hustle and bustle of fall begins. Focus on restoring your skin’s barrier, maintaining hydration, and considering treatments that can repair any summer damage. Your skin will thank you!
For more skincare tips and to explore products that can help maintain your skin’s health, visit us on our website. Don’t forget to follow our physician grade skincare on Instagram for daily skincare inspiration.